PORTALJABAR, GARUT REGENCY - Garut Regency will host the Pasanggiri Mojang-Jajaka for the Children's category at the West Java Province level on December 14-15, 2024.

The competition to win the West Java Governor's Rotating Cup includes four age categories:
1. Age 3-6 years
2. Age 6+ to 9 years
3. Age 9+ to 12 years
4. Age 12+ to 15 years

The Chairman of the Committee, Irno Sukarno, said that this event aims to preserve the nation's culture through the introduction of make-up and appearance procedures, Sundanese language etiquette, as well as arts and culture from an early age.

"The goal is to develop the noble values of the nation's culture, maintain cultural diversity, strengthen identity, and provide a positive competitive arena for the younger generation," said Irno in a written statement received by the Garut Regency Communication and Information Service (Diskominfo), Tuesday (3/12/2024).

Irno said that the purpose of the West Java-wide Pasanggiri Mojang-Jajaka activity for the Children's category is to preserve the nation's cultural heritage, which is expressed in the manners of dressing up and appearance, the manners of speaking Sundanese, and arts and culture by introducing them as early as possible to children, before they step up to the real Pasanggiri Mojang-Jajaka level which is attended by ages 16-24 years.

"Providing a positive competitive arena in a family space while fostering friendships between people involved in the activity," said Irno.

Pasanggiri Mojang-Jajaka Children category was initiated due to the lack of training for Mojang-Jajaka at a young age. He highlighted the importance of inheriting cultural values that cannot be done instantly.

"How can there be "Mojang and Jajaka" Teenagers and Adults if they do not go through childhood first? Because it concerns the inheritance of values, it certainly cannot be instant if we want those values to last and be strong," he said.

He also explained that this activity was designed to stimulate the advancement of cultural values, including insight into art, culture, and the creative economy, especially for categories C and D. Participants will face a question and answer session with the jury in Sundanese, while English language skills are an added value.

The Mojang-Jajaka Pasanggiri for the Children category has been held routinely in recent years. The stages include technical meetings, demonstrations, and the peak of the event in the form of participant performances. Registration can be done until December 6, 2024 at the Bale Paminton UPT and Museum.

Irno hopes that this activity can foster pride and love for local culture among the younger generation and strengthen cultural resilience amidst the influence of globalization. "It is hoped that the younger generation can have "cultural resilience" and an attitude to continue to enjoy, uphold and maintain our own culture by remaining open to progress that comes from outside," he concluded. (Diskominfo Kab. Garut/Fauziah)